...Raymond Chou came in, took Sebastian’s hand in both of his, and gave him a quick peck on each of Sebastian’s blushing cheeks. “You look breathtaking, Sebastian.”

His soft accent made Sebastian’s knees weak. He’d always been a sucker for a man with an accent.

And he was dressed to the nines. Sebastian smiled. “That jacket is to die for.” He placed his hand on the other man’s arm and trailed it down, locking his gaze with Raymond’s.

His date’s dark eyes gleamed, the corners crinkled, and Sebastian melted a little bit more.

Raymond looked down and touched the black silk jacket embroidered with gold and red dragons. “Thank you. I have not worn it in some time. I am happy it still fit.” The Mandarin styled collar stood high on his neck and his crisply pressed black silk slacks completed the outfit. A single small gold loop hung from his ear. Sebastian didn’t remember him wearing an earring before, but he quite liked it.

Although a few inches shorter than Sebastian, the slender man’s carriage gave him the look of someone much taller. The man just looked regal, stately, as if he knew exactly who he was. To Sebastian, that confidence was like catnip.

“Good evening, Mr. Chou,” Lane greeted him. He stuck out his hand for the elder man to shake.

“Pleased to meet you again.” He turned to Matt, standing by Lane’s side. “And you also.”

“Matt.” Matt re-introduced them as he motioned to his lover. “And Lane.”

“Forgive me. I shall remember next time.” He gave a funny little bow to the two men before turning to Sebastian. “Are you ready?”

“Yes. Did you find a parking place?” Sebastian asked. He used to be so good at small talk and now he was reduced to asking about parking. Oh my, what had he come to?

“I did. On the avenue. It’s a lovely night for a walk.”

“Well, then I suppose we should be on our way.” Sebastian turned to Matt and Lane. “You boys lock up for me, please.”

“Sure, Sebastian. Oh, and have a good time.” Lane smiled and held the door for them.

Matt leaned past Lane. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” he called out.

Lane elbowed him. “Stop that.”

Sebastian and Raymond stood on the sidewalk grinning back at them. “Oh, lambs, I think I’ve done a few things you’ll never do.”

Raymond, eyes gleaming, turned to him and crooked his elbow for Sebastian to take. “Oh my, this is going to be quite a night, I believe.”

“I certainly hope so, Raymond.” Sebastian pulled on Raymond’s arm. “Let’s go before they decide to walk with us.”

“Great idea!” Matt called out, right before Lane dragged him back inside and closed the door.

Raymond laughed. “Your boys are quite a pair.”

“They are, indeed. I don’t know where I’d be without them.”

“I can see the great love they have for you. I am almost jealous.”

Sebastian looked at the sidewalk as he felt the blush rise in his cheeks. The man had the most amazing way of saying things. But he mustn’t let it turn his head. Not at his age.

“I’m just a fey old man.” Sebastian shrugged.

“Nonsense. I believe in your day you inspired many men’s love and adoration.”

Raymond and he strolled toward Bourbon Street, then turned up it.

“I’m too immodest to deny it, and I’ve forgotten most of their names. And you?”

“I also have had many adventures in my life.” He smiled and then looked down the street.

“I’m afraid our time for adventures is long past.” Sebastian sighed.

“Is it? I thought so, too, until you sat down across from me. Then I thought to myself, perhaps there is enough left in me for one more great adventure.” Raymond put his hand over Sebastian’s hand on his arm and gave it a squeeze. “What do you think?”

They walked for a while as Sebastian tried to get his throat to loosen up enough to speak without sounding like a frog.

“I think it might be interesting to find out,” he said, glad his voice sounded normal.